On Savai'i, volcanic traces, historic sites and coastal experiences lie side by side. The island is volcanic and Samoa’s largest island; numerous unspoiled beaches add to the lava fields as other defining landscape features. At the Saleaula Lava Field, geological formations meet the remains of a church. Other discoveries lead to a historic mound, coastal views and stories. The island offers a variety of points of interest, depending on whether you are interested in the landscape, history or local traditions.
Lava and History on Savai'i
The eruption of Mt Matavanu left lava-flow patterns, hills with tree imprints and the remaining stone outer wall of a church at the Saleaula Lava Field. Features of the field also include Virgin’s Grave, the LMS Church and lava expanses that bear witness to the destructive eruption of 1905. Visitors can walk among partly buried churches, a virgin’s grave and lava mounds. On this walk, you encounter both the forms of the lava and the named traces of the church and grave.
Another way to explore the past is the Pulemelei Mound, also called the Pyramid. It lies within Letolo Plantation in Palauli, at the eastern end of Savai'i. The mound is believed to have been built around 1400 AD. Its exact purpose is unknown; it may have served as a ceremonial or burial site. This makes it different from Saleaula: there, the lava and traces of the eruption take centre stage, while at Pulemelei Mound, the approximate date and the open question of its purpose shape the historical perspective.
Coastal Views and Local Traditions
Lover’s Leap is on the south coast, in Falelima. From a 300-metre-high clifftop viewpoint, you can look out over foaming seawater flowing into a small bay. This coastal view offers a different focus from the lava fields and historic structures: here, the height of the viewpoint and the water flowing into the bay shape the experience described.
Local traditions are also part of the island’s stories. According to local belief, Pa Sopo’ia Cave is an ancient path along which the spirits of ancestors travel to Devil’s Haden at Cape Mulinu’u and onward to Pulotu, the spirit world. One legend locates the passage of the dead into the underworld at Cape Mulinuu on Savai'i. Alongside their visible features, these stories give the named places a spiritual significance rooted in local tradition.
Getting Around and Things to Do
Afu Aau Waterfall is also known as Olemoe Falls. Entrance fees are collected at a Samoan Fale, about 650 metres from the main road. Visitors are encouraged to park there and walk for ten minutes to the pool and waterfall. For planning purposes, you can distinguish between two stretches: the distance from the main road to the fale, and the walk from there to the pool and waterfall.
Ways to get around Savai'i include rental cars, scooters, bicycles, public transport and taxis. You can also snorkel, kayak and dive on the island. Along with the numerous unspoiled beaches, these activities complement the historic sites and landscape features with water-based pursuits. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose different areas of focus, from lava formations and historical questions to coastal views and water activities.
Discover more destinations: Gaga'emauga, Asau, Sale'aula, Upolu, Tuamasaga, A'ana, Tuamasaga and Atua.
Return to the main travel overview: Samoa.
